Makeup clear out and organisation tips
As a beauty enthusiast my makeup collection seems to be forever growing but every now and then I think its a good idea to have a clear out. Not only because the products go out of date but because I might not be using some of them. This is where the blogging term ‘shop my stash’ comes into play. Shop my stash is where you rediscover makeup products that you used to use and love and then try work them into your everyday routine. Here are my makeup clear out and organisation tips.
To make it easier I create categories for the products to go into such as; out of date, give to family, shop my stash. I also test all the products that are in date on the back of my hand to see the exact colour and texture before choosing whether I really need them in my collection.
After I have decided on what I am keeping, I will reorganize my makeup storage and place the items I have rediscovered in a more prominent area so that I will be more inclined to use them. I use a variety of storage methods including; empty plant pots for makeup brushes and clear plastic drawers for lipsticks like these ones from Wilko’s*. I also use crystal glass jars to store cotton pads and cotton buds.
Here is a list of recommended expiration dates for makeup:
6 months
Mascara and liquid eyeliner
12-18 months
Foundation and concealer
1 year
Lip gloss, stains, liquid lipsticks
Cream products including; eyeshadow, eye liners, blusher, highlighter, bronzer, contour etc
2-3 years
Lipstick and lip liner
Powder products including; eyeshadow, blusher, setting powders, highlighter, bronzer, contour etc
This being said, these are only guidelines and you should also use your judgement on how the products look and smell. I like to have a sort out every couple of months, that I way I actually use the products I buy and get to discard of any old ones.
Catchup with my previous post The Best At Home Skincare Facial With Foreo UFO Smart Mask Treatment
I am so bad at clearing out my makeup – I have got some eyeshadows and mascaras that are several years old! These are great tips and I love the glass jars for cotton buds and balls. Thanks x
To be honest I don’t think eyeshadow is too bad. But mascara I definetly wouldn’t keep aftera year. Glad you liked the post x
Thanks for the tips especially the expiration dates!
Ooo dear – i really need a big update – not sure how old some of my makeup is – thanks for the information
Really useful post, thank you!!
I literally never clear my make up out!! I have loads and I only use a handful! I have just invested in some new brushes which I love but I keep everything in a big vanity case as I don’t have anywhere to do my makeup at the moment. I would love some pretty brush holders and cases if I had a dressing table or something!
Perhaps changing up what you use day to day every couple of months. As you don’t have a dressing table, maybe get a smaller makeup bag to put those things in and keep the rest in the vanity case and then keep switching it up?
I hadn’t really thought about make-up expiring. I generally use items such as mascara and eye liner until all the product is used up, but I do have some powder eyeshadows that are several years old!
My make up clear out is way overdue hope this article has motivated me to do so
Really great tips. Thanks for sharing.
Great tips
Wow, I was not aware of the expiration dates. Most of my make up now needs to be chucked! π
Honestly I think some of my make up is older than me! I am so naughty definitely need to get better at replacing things!
I do need to have a clear out of things that I don’t use anymore.
Great tips thank you. I had a clear out of the bits I no longer use and have them to my 3 year old to use on her dolls π
Thanks for the ideas
I’m bad at organising my make up, mostly it’s easy to find, but lipsticks are the worst, goodness knows I must have ten hiding somewhere!!
That is such a useful post, and quite an eye opener. I’m off to have a clear out right now
Love reading your blogs and learning new tips.
I am not one for clearing out, accept on eyeshadow, as I stick with the same base of face and eye primer, foundation and blusher etc. Yes I have updated them in recent years to new brands. I do tend to change mascara however only have one. It’s eyeshadows I have to take care with. I can easily have too many. I knew about the dates on make up however not until a few years ago. Eek!
(Incidently as I have to put it somewhere on your comp post for Mrs Hinch goodies, there is no word to write a response, as asked for in the comp)
I have make up in my make up bag donkeys years old, i really need to sort it out as i always use the same old stuff
Thanks for these tips- I must admit to being a bit lax on having a make up clear out but this stuff goes on your face so it’s super important!
Useful Post thank you.
Some wonderful tips on make-up
Oooh so pretty! I had a clear-out at the beginning of the year and had to throw out so many expired products; it was heartbreaking! LOL
These are great tips, I always find it difficult to clear old makeup out
I really need to do this. It could be fun, something else to do while Iβm stuck inside. I have a basket full of stuff to play with. I didnβt know how long make up would last. Thanks for the info.
It is fun to go through what you’ve got, you could even create some looks using some products you haven’t used in a while π
I am rubbish at clearing out my old make-up. But rather than using them, they are just there forgotten in an old makeup bag π You have given me the inspiration to have a clear out now!
Thanks for sharing!
Aimsy xoxo
Aimsyβs Antics
Will definitely be referring back to this, I forgot that makeup has an expiry date eek!!
http://www.ellacharlottejones.co.uk